I believe there is no doubt that, for people, reading is more than decoding symbols called letters; it is a source of knowledge and an experience of pleasure and discovery. Reading provides a moment of relaxation and well-being. It is worth remembering that in the past, being able to read and write was a privilege of the few. From the perspective of access to books, libraries, and the ability to engage in interpretative reading, even today this practice still remains a privilege for some.
Reading is a powerful tool; through it, it is possible to better understand the environment in which we are inserted, including our workplace. By seeking information about the values and paths taken by those who shaped the institution of which we are part, we are able to act in a more conscious and engaged way.
When I joined the Provincial Center of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, on my first day of work I received from Sr. Maria José Teixeira, the Sister who welcomed me into the institution and whom I remember with great affection, the book “Uma vida para todos”, by Sr. Margarida Maria Gonçalves, RSCM, with the purpose of helping me become familiar with the history of the Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (IRSCM). It is a book that presents a summarized history of the Founder of the Institute, Father Jean Gailhac, and the first Sisters.
When I shared with Sr. Lúcia Rezende, at the time coordinator of the Sources sector, a certain disappointment I felt regarding the Founder’s decision to give up caring for women in prostitution in order to dedicate himself only to children in vulnerable situations, Sr. Lúcia, after the initial surprise at my feedback, quickly and without hesitation handed me the book “Uma caminhada na fé e no tempo””, Volume I, by Sr. Rosa do Carmo Sampaio, RSCM, telling me that I would find answers by reading it. And that is exactly what happened. The book helped me better understand the circumstances that led the Founder to such a decision..
“A Journey in Faith and Time” presents more detailed political, economic, social, and religious historical context of the life of Fr. Gailhac and the first RSCM, helping to better understand the social scenario and life circumstances of the main figures: Fr. Gailhac and Sr. Saint Jean. This is the beauty of reading, when one book leads to another, and another.
The connection between the books enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the trajectory of the Institution and, above all, of the life and ideals of its Founders. Each reading added new perspectives and details, enriching my understanding of the legacy built by the Founder and the RSCM over time.
Reading fosters personal and professional growth. It is an invitation to develop critical thinking, broaden one’s worldview, and better interpret the reality around us. It is also important to highlight the book not only as a tool for transmitting knowledge, but as a means of social transformation (2023, UNESCO/Brasília).
This April, on the 23rd, we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, a date aimed at fostering the joy of reading, honoring authors, emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual property, and reminding us of the achievement of equal access to knowledge. “In fact, books are fundamental vehicles for accessing, transmitting, and promoting education, science, culture, and information worldwide,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO (2023, UNESCO/Brasília).
For those who wish, I invite you to access the virtual library on the RSCM Brazil Area website: https://www.rscmb.com.br/livros/ where you will find the books mentioned in this text and many others. Happy reading!
By Míriam Carmélia Lopes, Secretary of the Brazil Area.
References:
UNESCO, Brasília. Sobre o Dia Mundial do Livro e dos Direitos Autorais no Brasil, 23 de abril. 20 de abril de 2023. Texto disponível em: https://www.unesco.org/pt/fieldoffice/brasilia/expertise/book-day#:~:text=Em%201995%2C%20a%20Confer%C3%AAncia%20Geral,data%20simb%C3%B3lica%20na%20literatura%20mundial. Accessed on April 4, 2026.
